Islam Makhachev VS Ilia Topuria 2026

Topuria has never relied on size to dominate. Early in his career, he competed across lower weight classes, and even at featherweight, he wasn’t physically imposing compared to the rest of the division. His move up to lightweight was driven more by the difficulty of cutting weight than by any natural size advantage. And when he competed for gold at 155, the size disparity was obvious — he looked noticeably smaller than the division’s larger lightweights.

At welterweight, that gap would only widen. Makhachev would carry a clear physical edge in strength, frame, and mass, shifting the fight away from technical brilliance and toward sheer physical imbalance. That kind of disparity doesn’t elevate the matchup; it dulls it.

A fight this important should be decided by skill, not size. At 170 pounds, the advantage would lean heavily in one direction, making the outcome more predictable and the contest less engaging. There are already intriguing and competitive matchups waiting at welterweight that better test Makhachev at that size, while lightweight remains the division where Topuria can compete on equal footing.

Ultimately, Makhachev vs Topuria still matters. It still has the potential to be special. But only if it’s made under fair and logical conditions. At lightweight, it’s a battle of champions. Anywhere else, it risks becoming something far less meaningful.

Dec. 28th, 2025, 12:30 PM